RCN warning over social care funding

Published: 08 February 2012

The Royal College of Nursing today welcomed publication of the Commons Health Select Committee report on social care, but warned that underfunding continues.

The report says that older people are being let down by fragmented care services.

RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr Peter Carter said: “We welcome the committee’s focus on the care of older people. Getting social care funding right is crucial not only for the future of the social care system but the NHS too.”

He added: “It is nursing staff and the NHS who deal with the pressures of delayed transfers between hospital and community settings on a daily basis, increasing restrictions on services and confusion over who pays for what. Equally, there is a revolving door effect as without the support in the community, people increasingly end up in hospital.”

He said underfunding of the social care system is still an issue and that a clear funding gap is emerging. “A single commissioning process is a logical starting point in simplifying the system, addressing gaps and preventing duplication of services for patients and users.

“We urge the Government to take on board the recommendations of the Dilnot report in the forthcoming White Paper and deliver a health and social care system that is fit for the future.”